Are GLP-1s good or bad for your blood pressure?Â
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that were initially approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. But since their discovery, the use of GLP-1s has expanded.
GLP-1s are now FDA-approved to treat many conditions, including obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. Some of these medications can also help with cardiovascular and renal health.
There’s a growing number of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including:
Some of these medications are given as injections, and others are taken by mouth.
With so many new medications and ongoing research, it can be difficult to keep track of all the possible uses of GLP-1s.
If you’re prescribed a GLP-1, you may want to know whether it’s safe to take if you have other conditions, like high blood pressure. So, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, looked at how GLP-1s affect blood pressure and overall heart health.
Key takeaways:
- GLP-1 medications have been shown to have benefits on cardiovascular health. But they’re not FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure.
- GLP-1s may lower blood pressure by facilitating weight loss and by acting on the kidneys and blood vessels.
How do GLP-1s work?
GLP-1 medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone made in the gut. These medications bind to the same receptors in the body, which allows them to produce similar effects. They act on GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin production, slow gastric emptying, and help curb appetite. That’s why these medications are so useful in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 medications also work on GLP-1 receptors in other parts of the body. For instance, in the kidneys, these receptors help regulate how much sodium is reabsorbed or excreted in the urine. These receptors also play a role in the immune system and help support blood vessel health. GLP-1 medications can interact with these receptors, which can lead to positive kidney and heart health effects.
Are GLP-1s good for your blood pressure?
Yes, there’s evidence that GLP-1 medications can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
Weight loss can help lower blood pressure. So, by facilitating weight loss, GLP-1s can indirectly lower blood pressure. But weight loss alone doesn’t account for all of the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s.
There are other ways that GLP-1 medications can impact blood pressure:
- Reduced sodium intake: People taking GLP-1s may end up eating less salty foods because they eat less overall. Lower blood pressure is one benefit of a low-sodium diet.
- Direct action on the kidneys: GLP-1 medications signal to the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. As sodium leaves the body, blood pressure can go down.
- Relaxing blood vessels: GLP-1s can also activate receptors on cells inside blood vessels, causing them to vasodilate (relax). And this effect has been shown to improve blood flow.
Are GLP-1s approved to treat high blood pressure?
GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure. That means that your healthcare team won’t prescribe these medications specifically to treat high blood pressure.
But some GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in certain people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity. These approvals are based on studies showing that GLP-1s can improve several factors that affect heart health, including blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure.
This means you might still be prescribed a GLP-1 to support your heart health. And, as your overall health improves, your blood pressure may come down, too. So, although GLP-1s aren’t used specifically to treat high blood pressure, they can still have a positive effect on it.
Can you take GLP-1s if you have high blood pressure?
Yes, GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure. In fact, these medications may help lower blood pressure through their overall effect on weight and metabolism.
But GLP-1 medications aren’t safe for everyone. You may not be able to take a GLP-1 medication if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- A history of anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) to GLP-1 medications
- A history of pancreatitis or gastric paresis
You shouldn’t take GLP-1s if you’re pregnant or nursing.
How do GLP-1s affect your heart rate?
GLP-1s can cause an increased heart rate in some people. The change is usually small, only about two to four beats per minute. But some GLP-1 medications may have a greater effect on heart rate than others.
Researchers are still studying why this happens. One possibility is that GLP-1s activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can raise the heart rate. Another is that they act directly on the heart’s natural pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node.
Even though GLP-1 medications may increase heart rate slightly, there’s no evidence that they increase the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
Frequently asked questions
What causes high blood pressure?
For most people, a combination of factors leads to high blood pressure. Your age, genetics, and overall health all play a role in your blood pressure. Your diet and activity level can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Can you take GLP-1s with blood pressure medication?
Yes, you can take glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) and blood pressure medications at the same time. There are no known interactions between these two types of medications.
If your blood pressure improves over time while you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, your healthcare team may need to lower your blood pressure medication.
Can you take GLP-1s if you have heart failure?
Yes, many people with heart failure can take GLP-1 medications. In fact, GLP-1s can be helpful for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Your healthcare team can help you determine whether GLP-1s are safe for you.
The bottom line
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) aren't FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure. But they can still help improve blood pressure through their effects on weight, blood sugar, and heart health. Most people with high blood pressure can safely take GLP-1 medications. If you’re considering a GLP-1, your healthcare team can help you understand how it fits into your overall health plan and what benefits you can expect.
This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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